Wrod processing software |
Author: Rich DeRuvo (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date: 07-09-08 12:27
Well, if you read my "word count issue" post wou'll know my initial problem. Now, my problem is: I type in MS word. since I need to flesh out my story so much I am going to have a lot of trouble formatting it becasue al the chapters are going to get shifted around. Is thyre any software that that is GOOD (and free) designed for novel writing that will seperate chapters and things of that sort?
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: jayce (---.mob.bellsouth.net)
Date: 07-09-08 13:11
Each to his own here. I put each chapter in a separate file, so I can shift them around. When I want a continuous ms, it's simple enough to import them into one file and print it or whatever.
I don't know of any special "novel writing" software (unless you want a program that helps you create your story); such things exist for screenplays, but that craft calls for precise formatting for dialog, scene breaks, etc. that don't exist in novels.
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: Jeanne Gassman (---.ph.ph.cox.net)
Date: 07-09-08 13:16
Rich,
I'm not sure what you're asking for here. You can create a separate file for each chapter and then merge them all into one file when the book is complete. MS Word has a word count function that is perfectly acceptable for publishers.
If you are trying to reorganize your book, I would also recommend storyboarding. Write a one-sentence description of each scene on an index card. Place those scene cards on a giant bulletin board (or on your wall) under the appropriate chapter headings. This will help give you a big picture view. You can also make a note of the word count for each scene to give you a general idea of word count.
If you want some good free word processing software, take a look at Open Office. It works a lot like MS Office, only better. Their site:
http://www.openoffice.org/
Hope that helps.
Jeanne
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: Carl Purdon (---.static.networktel.net)
Date: 07-09-08 14:04
In MS Word,at the end of each chapter just hold the CONTROL key and hit ENTER to insert a hard page break. That way your chapters always start at the top of a page as you edit.
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: d. Leroy (---.hfc.comcastbusiness.net)
Date: 07-09-08 14:08
I use MS Word - it's easy and it's all I've ever used (so I've got nothing to compare it to). It's pretty easy to move things around by copy/paste.
I've done it a lot.
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: Tim Moore (---.um.maine.edu)
Date: 07-09-08 14:12
There are a number of solutions, all depending upon what type of computer you use.
I personally use Scrivener from http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.html
Scrivener provides a separate file for each chapter and a virtual index card on a corkboard to outline with. Then it is easy to drag and drop chapters into a different order if you find you need to.
Also, Scrivener is preset to export your text into manuscript appropriate print. You don't have to worry about formatting every time you print something. Set Scrivener's preferences up once and your good to go.
There are other options similar to Scrivener out there, too.
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: Diane Goss (---.norf.east.verizon.net)
Date: 07-11-08 07:33
I also use a simple word processing software, but after some research I found a couple of software packages out there and I am thinking of purchasing one of them.
The Scrivener that Tim uses looks great, but is not compatible to Windows based computers. I also checked out New Novelist and it looks pretty good. Anyone out there use it?
I don't mean to sound cheap, but maybe there's a free software out there somewhere.
I am glad to join this site and look forward to meeting new people who love to write.
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: Sail Away (---.tampfl.dsl-w.verizon.net)
Date: 07-11-08 11:33
I don't mean to sound cheap, but maybe there's a free software out there somewhere.
Hey, there's nothing wrong with being cheap. Some might say that you are frugal. :)
-SA
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: Jeanne Gassman (---.ph.ph.cox.net)
Date: 07-11-08 11:54
OpenOffice is free. It has all the same features as MS Office and is compatible with PCs.
Jeanne
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Re: Wrod processing software |
Author: Diane Goss (---.nrflva.east.verizon.net)
Date: 07-12-08 05:03
Thanks SA, I like the word "frugal" much better!
I am so new into this arena that my MS Word program seems to be doing o.k., but I get it about the Chapter thing.
I quit trying to page number and be so organized as I write, I figure I'll be editing my writing so many times that I'll be like Scarlett and worry about that tomorrow!
Thanks for the good suggestions from all of you.
Diane
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